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Originally Posted by LAblondeGPhi
I think this speaks to the real problem with getting members to stay active in their alumnae years: there's just such a diversity of members at the alumnae level, and our groups are primarily social organizations. The philanthropy, programming, and support for collegiate chapters is all wonderful, but I think most sorority women join for the friendship. But the alumnae groups typically bring together women of a wide age range, and from very different types of chapters, not to mention with different demands and interests (careers, family, etc.). Besides the shared ritual and history, there is sometimes not much else that really binds these women together.
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Quite possible.
I've noted over the years, though, that our school tends to produce people who are go-getters, who do something important. If graduates find an alumnae group full of women from a handful of schools that are nothing like the one they went to, they see little in common
except , as you say, ritual -- and even that varies a bit. Just as an example, I can't recall any time in my four years that a sister went to a varsity sporting event, but at most large schools, that kind of thing is a significant part of life - so significant that rush is an afterthought around it.
So they get involved in something else -- my chapter sisters are in university administration, politics, DAR, performing arts -- and take leadership roles. Those take over. I have to admit, though, that when we get together every couple of years, the conversations are fascinating because each has done some very impressive things!